1-1/4" spindle for 1956 Delta HD shaper?

I have an 1950's Rockwell "Heavy-Duty Shaper". Most of the cutters I
want to use are only available with 1-1/4" bore. I've called Delta to
purchase a 1-1/4" spindle, but they say I can only put either a 1/2"
or 3/4" spindle on this shaper.
The new 5HP version of this shaper does come with a 1-1/4" spindle,
and from what I've been able to tell from the manuals and parts lists,
the old one and the current models are basically the same machine. So
the only reasons I can think of that I really couldn't use a 1-1/4"
spindle are that the machine doesn't have enough power, or that there
has been some mechanical change--different taper, etc.
Does anyone know for sure what the differences are between the older
shapers and the new version that will take the 1-1/4" spindle? Can I
just buy the larger spindle, or would I also need to replace the
"spindle cartridge"?
Thanks,
Heath

Heath,
You do not need a 1-1/4" spindle to use the knives you want
Use the 3/4 spindle if that is the largest and use bushings for your knives.
If your adddress is good I will e-mail you what i am talking about if not I
will post it back here or e-mail me with your proper address
George

I have an old DELTA single speed shaper from the 40's/50's .. .. from the
era when the "DELTA" lettering was kind of an ART DECO font. Bought it
from a friend and it came with only a 1/2" spindle that was kinda twisted
a bit. I removed the entire "cartridge" from the table and had both a
3/4" and a 1-1/4 spindle made for it, along with some precision rub
collars & cutter spacer/fillers for both spindles. It pulls those 1-1/4"
based cutters with no problem at all AND there is virtually no noticeable
vibration. I had a relative who is a tool & die maker fabricate those
spindle, but if you'd like, I can get you the dimensions. Only problem
is switching between 3/4" & 1-1/4" you have to disassemble the whole
cartridge because he made the spindle one piece instead of two pieces as
in the original. Once you go to a 1-1/4" spindle, you won't want to be
going back .. .. SMOOTH !! !! !!
Heath Roberts wrote:

If it is the shaper that I am thinking of there is very little difference.
But the new one can be ordered as standard, taking a 1/2" or 3/4" spindle
or ordered with a noninterchangeable 1 1/4" spindle. That is probably
why you could not get a 1 1/4" spindle...that would require the whole
carridge.

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